dark glass tincture with yellow ink imprint of batch number and expiration

What is a Product Batch Code?

dark glass tincture with yellow ink imprint of batch number and expirationModern distribution networks are no longer restricted to a local region or even a nation. With just-in-time supply lines and container shipping, products can travel thousands of miles before reaching the store shelf. Along the way, manufacturers and shipping companies must be able to track and trace their goods, ensuring the products are safe and reliable.

The information detailed on a product, packaging and pallets can change depending on the local legislation. Most often, barcodes, QR codes, expiration dates, lot codes, and product batch codes are labeled. 

Product batch codes, in particular, are necessary for tracking the product’s distribution history. They’re also essential in the event of a product recall, which can occur commonly according to the listings reported by the CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) or FDA (Food and Drug Administration). 

You’ll need to add a product code if you are manufacturing any form of goods. Here’s what a product batch code is, how to conduct a batch code check, and how to quickly fix a batch number. 

What is a product batch code?

A batch code is an alphanumeric designation used to identify and trace a batch of identical products sharing uniforms characteristic of production, e.g., production time and date, identification code, type of product, materials used, etc. 

All product batch codes must include:

  • Date and time of productions
  • Location of production (plant code, line number)
  • Expiration date
  • Common materials used in batch production

Batch codes are applied directly to products and primary packaging using an inkjet coding machine. These industrial printers are typically integrated into the production line to increase speed and efficiency. 

When identifying a batch code on a product, do not confuse it with the catalog number (Ref.) or EAN/UPC number (barcode). Product codes are largely determined by the company – using different labeling systems for designating the above information.

Why use product batch codes?

The majority of US consumer commodities do not require batch codes to be labeled on products. Certain exceptions include:

  • Infant formula. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) requires all formula products to display batch codes under the threat of expensive fines.
  • All children’s products. If a product is designed for children’s use, the CPSC requires manufacturers to label it with a batch code.
  • Pharmaceuticals, chemicals, cosmetic products, etc. The FDA and FTC (Federal Trade Commission) have specific regulations governing batch codes on such products.

Nevertheless, many manufacturers and distribution networks opt to include batch codes as part of best practices. It eases communication between participating partners, ensures products can be tracked, and is simple to do. 

How to conduct a batch code check

Batch codes come in all kinds of formats. While some print in ink on the packaging, others are merely indented (most common with cardboard). As a result, conducting a batch code check will depend on the alphanumeric or numeric system being used.

For example, batch codes can be a four-number code, e.g., 8106 or 0275, or they can include letters, e.g., 1L01 or 0B02. Alternative batch codes include SGT20WA, 38S60oS, and C79. 

The number displayed above and below barcodes can confuse the process. Batch codes never appear like 3348901292252 or F000950000. Be careful not to confuse these two very different codes.

How to quickly fix a batch number

Quickly fixing your batch code is critical when swapping between products or updating/adjusting your marking and coding. Automated product lines need a printing and labeling method equally as fast and efficient as the line itself. 

Using a thermal inkjet printer (TIJ), like AMI’s inline thermal inkjet printer: the Zenjet Dynamic, is one of the most reliable option for high-resolution printing, or if you have a need to be mobile, a handheld inkjet printer, like the Reiner jetStamp 1025 or jetStamp 990 are excellent products. With batch codes essential to safety and tracking throughout the production and distribution process, companies cannot afford to compromise speed for clarity – the legibility of batch codes is paramount.

Benefits of thermal inkjet printers for batch numbers

Manufacturers need to apply batch codes to any surface rapidly and effectively, without smudges. And to ensure compliance with internal, state, or government rules and regulations. 

Here are the key benefits of using thermal inkjet printers:

  • Adaptable. Manufacturers create durable, crisp batch codes on any surface using water-based, solvent-based, or specialty security inks. Plastics, metal, paper, resins, polymers, foils, vinyl, and more can all be marked with a product code. 
  • Legible. TIJ printers create a clear, visible, and replicable batch code that lasts. With the batch code’s information important across the product’s lifetime, TIJ printers guarantee labels are marked properly every time.
  • Variable. TIJ printers come in handheld forms or can be integrated into production lines. Batch codes can, therefore, be applied to products and packaging in all settings. 
  • Easily changed. When you need to quickly fix a batch number, the product code can be rapidly updated to ensure the correct code is applied to the product. 

Questions you need to ask

When deciding what type of printer to use for product codes, here are some important factors to consider:

  • Primary or secondary packaging. Primary packaging encases the product itself (e.g., a box containing medications or aluminum can containing a beverage); secondary packaging encases the primary packaging (e.g., a cardboard box storing medication boxes). Both will need a batch code, but the material of either can differ.
  • Print speed. Depending on how fast you want to print batch codes and other information, you will need a different automated marking machine, e.g., thermal inkjet vs. continuous inkjet printers. 
  • Packing material. Certain inks can bleed through some packaging.; the correct ink formulation will be needed to ensure the contents remain uncontaminated. 

Contact AMI for further information

To learn more about your options for printing batch codes to your products or packaging, speak to an expert today. We have decades of experience printing important regulatory and product-related information on consumer commodities and are ready to answer any questions or concerns you may have. 

For handheld solutions to batch code printing, click here.



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